The NHL and its TV partners likely were happy with how the first Stanley Cup Final rematch in a quarter-century got started.

The action, especially in the first period, matched the hype.

"When you've been here before, you know what to expect so you're ready to start on time," Babcock said.

End-to-end action, big hits such as Crosby's left shoulder sending Henrik Zetterberg to the ice, scoring opportunities and a 1-1 score had to hold non-traditional viewers giving hockey a chance.

Detroit's first goal of the series brought back memories of its last Cup-clinching goal.

Stuart simply dumped the puck behind Fleury and was rewarded with a fortunate carom that sent the puck off Fleury's right skate and across the goal line with 6 minutes, 22 seconds left in the first period.

"They got some fortunate breaks," Bylsma said.

In Game 6 last year in Pittsburgh, the goal that ended up being the difference was pushed in when Fleury squatted on the puck.

The Penguins didn't need good fortune to tie Saturday's game.

Malkin baited Stuart into trying to clear a puck off the boards and took advantage of the turnover with a slap shot that Osgood couldn't control, leading to Ruslan Fedotenko's backhander off the rebound.

Pittsburgh had a breakaway and two power plays in the first half of the second period, and had nothing to show for it.

Osgood got part of his glove on Malkin's wrist shot on the breakaway, and Detroit's penalty killers limited the Penguins to two shots on their first play and none on their second.

"The goalie is the most important player every night," Babcock said. "It's hockey."

Osgood had to make a pair of saves two-thirds of the way through the second, denying Miroslav Satan on a shot just outside of the crease after Malkin set him up beautifully and turning away Crosby's backhander after a spectacular spin move.

Moments later, the Red Wings went on the power play for the first time and Fleury came through for Pittsburgh.

Brian Rafalski's blast was smothered by Fleury with a thud despite Tomas Holmstrom standing right in front of the goalie to obscure his vision.

Detroit went ahead 2-1 in the final minute, scoring again off the boards and Fleury.

Rafalski's shot bounced off the boards, Franzen got to the loose puck and flipped a backhander over and off Fleury and into the net.

It was Franzen's team-leading 11th goal of the playoffs and 24th score in the postseason since the start of last year's Stanley Cup run.

Notes: Detroit was without Pavel Datsyuk, an MVP finalist along with Malkin, a fellow Russian, because of a foot injury, and Kris Draper, but welcomed the return of defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom and Jonathan Ericsson. ... Fleury finished with 27 saves.

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